Introduction to Ethics

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Questions and Answers

Which branch of ethics explores the origins of ethical concepts?

  • Descriptive Ethics
  • Meta Ethics (correct)
  • Applied Ethics
  • Normative Ethics

According to Moral Foundation Theory, which foundation emphasizes resistance to oppression and the value of individual freedom?

  • Fairness/Cheating
  • Loyalty/Betrayal
  • Liberty/Oppression (correct)
  • Care/Harm

Which of the following best describes the nature of moral standards?

  • Preferences for certain types of food or music.
  • Evaluations of actions as right or wrong, good or bad. (correct)
  • Customs and traditions that vary across cultures.
  • Legal regulations enforced by governments.

In the context of the sources of morality, which source is most closely related to the 'why' behind an action?

<p>Intention (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does virtue ethics primarily guide individuals in ethical decision-making?

<p>By emphasizing the development of good character. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which question, proposed by Alasdair MacIntyre, focuses on defining the aspirational self?

<p>What ought I to become? (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cardinal virtue enables individuals to make sound judgments and act cautiously?

<p>Prudence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the meaning of impartiality in ethical decision-making?

<p>Remaining neutral and unbiased. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept is best exemplified by a doctor facing a choice between honoring patient confidentiality and reporting a threat to public safety?

<p>Moral Dilemma (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which moral foundation, according to Haidt's theory, is most related to the evolutionary need to protect children?

<p>Care/Harm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do non-moral standards differ from moral standards?

<p>They are not subject to ethical evaluation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does 'reason' play in ethical decision-making?

<p>It provides a framework for logical analysis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theological virtue leads individuals to love God and others?

<p>Charity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'Eudaimonia' in virtue ethics?

<p>Achieving happiness and fulfillment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the focus of descriptive ethics?

<p>What people actually believe to be moral. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT a source of morality?

<p>Emotions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of Haidt's moral foundations emphasizes patriotism and the importance of group cohesion?

<p>Loyalty/Betrayal (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the role of 'circumstances' in determining morality?

<p>The consequences of an action. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which virtue involves moderation and balance in the pursuit of pleasure?

<p>Temperance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with developing the Moral Foundation Theory?

<p>Jonathan Haidt (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ethics Defined

Systematic explanation of right and wrong in human life.

Descriptive Ethics

Deals with what people actually believe to be moral.

Normative Ethics

Deals with how one should act based on norms.

Meta-Ethics

Deals with the origins of ethical concepts.

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Applied Ethics

Deals with the philosophical examination of moral issues.

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Moral Standards

Standards evaluating actions as right or wrong.

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Non-Moral Standards

Things not subject to ethical evaluation.

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Moral Foundation Theory

Explains how people make moral judgments.

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Care/Harm Foundation

Focuses on caring for the vulnerable and avoiding harm.

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Fairness/Cheating Foundation

Ideas of justice, fairness, and reciprocity.

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Liberty/Oppression Foundation

Value of individual freedom and resisting oppression.

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Loyalty/Betrayal Foundation

Group loyalty and patriotism.

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Authority/Subversion Foundation

Respect for tradition, hierarchy, and authority.

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Sanctity/Degradation Foundation

Feelings of disgust and purity.

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Morality

Principles governing behavior.

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Moral Dilemma

Situation with conflicting moral principles.

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Virtue Ethics

Focuses on character rather than rules.

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Prudence

Ability to use reason to make good decisions.

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Justice

Treating everyone equally.

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Impartiality

Neutrality and lack of bias.

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Study Notes

  • Ethics comes from the Greek word "ethos."

Natures of Ethics

  • Ethics offers a systematic explanation of right and wrong in human life, making it a science.
  • Ethics deals with an ideal vision of a higher condition of life and society.
  • Ethics addresses what "ought to be," focusing on ideals that are possible and obligatory.
  • Ethics is a wisdom of values, concerning forms of conduct or behavior.
  • Ethics involves the will of a being with feeling and volition.

Branches of Ethics

  • Descriptive ethics deals with what people actually believe.
  • Normative ethics deals with "norms" or considerations on how one should act.
  • Meta ethics deals with the origins of ethical concepts.
  • Applied ethics deals with the philosophical examination from a moral standpoint.

Moral Standards

  • Moral standards involve actions, decisions, or behaviors evaluated as right or wrong.
  • Non-moral standards are not subject to ethical or moral judgment.

Moral Foundation Theory

  • Moral Foundation Theory explains how people make moral judgments.
  • Jonathan Haidt developed the Moral Foundation Theory.

Six Moral Foundations

  • Care/Harm: Based on the need to care for vulnerable offspring and avoid causing harm.
  • Fairness/Cheating: Revolves around justice, fairness, and reciprocity.
  • Liberty/Oppression: Focuses on individual freedom and resistance to oppression.
  • Loyalty/Betrayal: Emphasizes group loyalty and patriotism.
  • Authority/Subversion: Concerns respect for tradition, hierarchy, and authority.
  • Sanctity/Degradation: Rooted in feelings of disgust and purity.

Morality

  • Morality refers to the principles, norms, and values that govern behavior.

Sources of Morality

  • Objects: Will
  • Intention: Reason
  • Circumstances: Consequences

Moral Dilemma

  • A moral dilemma is a situation where an individual faces conflicting moral principles.

Virtue Ethics

  • Virtue ethics guides one toward the characteristics and behaviors of a good person.

Principles of Virtue Ethics

  • Focuses on character rather than strict rules or outcomes.
  • Eudaimonia: Flourishing/happiness.
  • Emphasizes the role of context and emotions like empathy and compassion.

Three Questions Proposed by Alasdair MacIntyre

  • Who am I? Requires reflection on current self and identity.
  • What ought I to become? Involves envisioning the kind of person we aim to be.
  • How ought I to get there? Concerns the path to becoming the person we ought to be.

Cardinal Virtues

  • Faith: Belief in God.
  • Hope: Trust in God.
  • Charity: Love in God.

Theological Virtues

  • Prudence: Using reason and good judgment to make decisions carefully.
  • Justice: Treating all human beings equally and impartially.
  • Temperance: Pleasure and self-control.
  • Fortitude: Courage and strength.

Reason and Impartiality

  • Reason is the ability to think logically, analyze information, and make evidence-based conclusions.
  • Impartiality is the quality of being neutral and unbiased.

Moral Development Theory

  • Moral Development Theory describes how people learn right from wrong and act accordingly.
  • Lawrence Kohlberg developed the moral development theory.

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